(Sorry Elvis fans for that title...I couldn't help myself).
Rhetorical question, why do we spend so much on party dresses? Personally, I blame panic...sheer, blind, panic. How else do you explain the contents of shopping bags after last minute pre-party shopping? Why else do we all have a collection of dresses that were bought, worn once, and then hidden in our closets?
| This year I am attempting to be thrifty and rational (fingers crossed). A couple of weeks ago we had a wedding to and I'm proud to say I didn't run out to find something "new" to wear. Instead I dove into my closet and came out with...a Marc by Marc Jacobs striped dress with a corset top, bubble skirt, and bow at the waist. When I first tried this dress on in Barneys I came out of the dressing room saying "Look, I'm the Statue of Liberty!". But with a boiled wool jacket from Banana Republic and navy suede flats I think I toned it down sufficiently for the reception. |  |
| That still left Christmas and all it's related bachanalia but I'm pleased to say that a few days ago I covered most of my upcoming party requirements with this See by Chloe dress which I picked-up on sale at 50% off plus a $20 off coupon. I think there are so many options for this dress...now I can't wait for the festivities to begin...you won't miss me, I'll be the goth girl under the mistletoe. |  |
Sometimes something is so wrong it boomerangs back on itself and becomes right. Every time I go to eluxury I sneak a peek at this name pendant from Louis Vuitton which seems to be the ultimate definition of wrong/right.
I'm not sure if anyone actually spends the $2,470 needed to acquire this but wouldn't it be fun to wear (in a supremely tacky way) ?
When someone mentions Balenciaga handbags what generally comes to my mind are the motorcycle bags beloved by celebrities. While these bags are lovely they are just too ubiquitous for my taste. Isn’t one of the joys of fashion the ability to stand out as an individual?
For those of you who love the motorcycle bags though, and all other B-Bags, you could find no better resource for information than aterliernaff. This comprehensive site has everything…the styles, the colors, the detailed information to help you spot fakes.
Happily (for me), Balenciaga does realize that some people may be looking for something a little different. Equally fortuitous is that there don’t seem to be too many people who fall into that category as the two styles I have I found, on two different occasions, were heavily marked down (is there anything better than a really good “find” during the sales…is there?)
From the F/W 05 collection I have the East-West satchel in an incredibly soft, chestnut brown lambskin. This bag is great for travel…or those days when you just have to carry everything with you. The main body is lined in cotton and has one zip pocket and in one of the external pockets is the trademark leather covered mirror. I’ve crossed the Atlantic twice with this bag and used it regularly as a work bag (often in bad weather) and although there are a few scuffed or faded areas it’s holding up remarkably well. Plus, with this kind of bag I almost think it looks better when it’s gently worn.
The same cannot be said of the large, toffee colored, suede shoulder bag that I got from the S/S 06 collection. This is a true “luxury” bag…the suede is so beautiful that I am paranoid in case anything marks it and I only use the bag after I have checked the weather forecast online to make sure that no rain is scheduled. Apart from my neurotic behavior regarding stains the only other issue with this is the buckle closure…this is not a bag you open (or close) in a hurry. Fine if you’re a lady of leisure but not so good if you’re in line at the drugstore with 10 people behind you.
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Belstaff was founded in England in 1924. The company created waterproof garments for men and women, all with a phoenix logo. During the 30's Belstaff carved a niche in making wind-proof, rain-proof, sturdy clothes for aviators, motor cyclists, and the like. Since that time they continued to evolve and are best known for clothing for motorcycle enthusiasts, amateur and professional. A few years ago the company was bought by an Italian firm and they're trying to move into the world of fashion...last season's ads featured Giselle...this season's, Kate Moss...and stores in London and New York (as well as Italy).
I love classic travel gear, and the associations that it brings...so last time I was in London I went to the Belstaff store. Though most of the stock is made up of jackets there are other articles of clothing, footwear and bags. For such an essentially British brand you do feel strangely rich, tanned, and Italian when you put one of the jackets on. Plus, there's comfort in the knowledge that these jackets are only going to get better as they get more broken in...at least that's what I told myself as I bought the jacket below from a very good looking, Italian sales associate.
The reason that I bring all of this up is that this Saturday, Bonhams in LA is holding an auction of property owned by Steve McQueen. Apart from his collection of vintage bikes, and other items there is Lot 64 "A Belstaff motorcycle jacket - Made of black cotton with four frontal pockets, brass button front closure, self-belt and black, blue and white plaid cotton lining; inside label reads "Trialmaster/Professional/by Belstaff/Made in England;" worn by McQueen when motorcycling."
The estimate on the jacket is $2,000-$4,000. For McQueen fans without that much spare cash the catalog, with color illustrations, is available in hardcover for $100 or in softcover for $55 (including postage).
People find different things relaxing...some do yoga...some arrange flowers...I like to handwash my clothes. Underwear, shirts, sweaters...if the label doesn't say dry clean, I'll try to submerge it. Part of this is an inbred condition due to the fact that I was brought up in a household without a washing machine, dishwasher, or microwave (a sad and tragic tale). But I do think that clothes last longer, and look better, when they don't have to suffer the ravages of a machine. Plus, there's the theraputic value of being elbow deep in suds...who said "wash your troubles away"?
Thankfully the fine people at Woolite recognize my condition...some may say they even pander to it. Woolite Original washes whites and colors and Woolite Dark is specially designed not to fade blacks or greys. Their website (www.woolite.com) even has a fabric care center that gives hints for washing, drying, and caring for different fabrics.
Sweaters that don't have fuzzy balls on them after a few months or dark jeans that stay dark...surely that's worth a little manual labor...
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In several previous posts I’ve touched on my love of handbags but haven’t actually posted any pictures of my collection. This is something I need to rectify, if only to allow to give myself an online handbag rolodex.
| So, I’ll start off with a sub-genre…the book bag, or magazine bag as I’ve also heard it called. These are my favorite cheap fix bag (of all the bags that I own in this style only one was expensive and I bought it on sale - see the Antoni & Allison "bourgeois" bag)….they combine useful and funky and manage to add a spark of interest to the most humdrum outfit. Unfortunately they don’t seem to be widely available in the US but when I’m in the UK I usually find one (or two) at Paperchase or Tate Modern and last time I was in London I also picked one up at Dover Street Market (probably the cheapest thing in the store). |  |
The downside…well, they rarely have zips or other fasteners…so you have to be wary of pickpockets if you use them as a handbag.
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Tate Modern bags - art and fashion | the "freebies" - heart bag from UK Elle, striped bag with badges a MJ gift with purchase |
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DSM bag | the Paperchase triumvirate |
It's Sunday evening, it's cold outside, what could be better than a quick skim through the Neiman Marcus Christmas catalog...fantasy gift section? This year they offer the ultimate fashion gift, just in case, and I quote,...you wish to "Endow a wing of your favorite museum with a comprehensive overview of fashion history or launch your own research center to inspire the Faths of tomorrow." Yes, for $3.5 million the following can be yours...
Jacques Fath Archives
Jacques Fath led a magnificent life. The glamorous, self-taught Frenchman opened his couture salon in Paris in 1937 and became one of the first French designers to export haute couture collection to the United States. By 1947, his sweeping skirts were reshaping a global industry still in its infancy.
In 1949, he earned a Neiman Marcus Award for Distinguished Service in the Field of Fashion. He dressed some of the most elegant celebrities of his time. Fath apprenticeships launched the careers of Hubert de Givenchy and Guy Laroche. Sadly, the magic ended abruptly with his death in 1954. Two years later, his widow closed the couture line. Although his career was cut short, Fath had a profound impact on popular culture. He helped launch the New Look of the late 1940s. And unlike most designers, Fath kept meticulous records of his design sketches. In partnership with Rita Watnick of Lily et Cie, we proudly offer a rare chronicle of historic significance: the only archival record of the House of Fath. This museum-quality collection includes 26 volumes of original sketchbooks from 1948 through 1956, with more than 3,400 couture designs. The collection also includes three exquisite Fath haute couture dresses, each with its accompanying sketch. With this archive, the possibilities are monumental.
| Growing up in the UK, Christmas for me meant the time when Cadbury's selection packs were in stores (multiple varieties of chocolate bars in a plastic "stocking" wrapped in net). I do realize that I should say I found meaning in the thought of goodwill to all men but, in reality, a Finger of Fudge or packet of Buttons were the main things on my mind. |  |
Now that I've grown up I've moved on to the adult (and less fattening) equivalent...the beauty gift pack. Products that I may not normally buy become interesting due to miniaturization and the option of sampling multiple items. If I find something I love, great, I'll go back and get the regualr size. If not, no hard feelings and I move on. It's beauty speed dating...
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stila - The Gift of Glaze $28 | fresh - A Grain of Rice $35 |
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bliss - Lemon & Sage Sinkside Six Pack $25 | smashbox - Beauty A-Go-Go $50 |
All of the items above are from Sephora.com though I'm looking forward to checking what's available on Shu Uemura's site in the near future.
What do you think of when you hear baggy sweatshirt, heels, flesh colored leggings, trapper hat and expensive handbag? Probably gorgeous is not the first thing that comes to mind...then you see these pictures of Anouck Lepere and all preconceptions go out of the window (okay, it probably helps that the bag is Chanel and the sweatshirt is Marc Jacobs and that she is an incredibly beautiful woman but...). I love this outfit - it's such a wonderful mix of high and low, the perfect outfit for the perfect day as sung about by Lou Reed.
Just a perfect day,
Drink Sangria in the park,
And then later, when it gets dark,
We go home.
Just a perfect day,
Feed animals in the zoo
Then later, a movie, too,
And then home.
| To continue my theme of European websites (this time one that I'm hoping will ship to the US, though they don't specify) I wanted to share Haeftling from Germany. To quote their website "Handcrafted and inspired by convicts...Haeftling was founded in 2003, as the first worldwide brand for Jailwear, under which the handmade products of federal penal institution workshops and trainee programmes are now marketed outside of the prison walls". |  |
| Which may not sound like everyone's cup of tea but...the mixture of household goods and clothing are utilitarian, functional, and strangely chic. Though they mainly gravitate towards men's clothing and items for the home there are a few pieces of women's clothing (or things that could be considered unisex - particularly the pyjamas). My two favorites from the site though are the women's denim wrap skirt and the wooden chopping block. Now I just need to figure out if I can actually get them to send things to me... |  |
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http://www.haeftling-shop.de/index.html
There are some purchases that seem very "adult". Not adult in a kinky way but adult in a "wow, I bought this and feel so grown up now" kind of way. Something that falls under this category is a proper watch.
I've gone through quite a few cheaper watches, mainly Swatch but most recently a leather cuff watch from Anthropologie and I've loved them all in an ephemeral way. They were like candy - inexpensive, brightly colored, and filling an urge for a short time. But the time had come for a (gulp) big girl watch.
It's not just the money (though of course that is a consideration), it's more the thought of picking "the" watch that defines you. This is something that, hopefully, I'll be wearing for a long time...so how do I narrow the endless choices down? There were some things that I knew...I knew that I wanted a watch that was both classic and funky at the same time. I also knew that I wanted a good watch but not one that was so expensive I was going to be nervous to wear it. There was also, I admit, a watch that I had been drooling over since I was a teenager but that I'd always considered to be outside of my price range.
My daydream adult watch was from Hermes. To be precise, my two daydream watches were from Hermes. One was a classic watch on an extra-long strap that wound twice around the wrist...designed originally for pilots during World War II. The second was the Medor, based upon the collier de chien...punk-ish with three studs, the center of which lifts up to reveal the watch face.
A couple of weeks ago...I don't know why...I went into Hermes. There was (honestly) no purpose or motive, I just went in. You've probably guessed by this point that I tried on both of my "dream" watches. The Medor was disappointing. On my wrist at least it looked cheap and wrong. The other watch, with the long double tour strap was...beautiful. The watch itself was the classic Hermes "H" in surgical stainless steel. The face was classic with a subdued scallop effect in the enamel between the lines leading to the numbers. The band was tan with cream stitching which would age beautifully. I sighed, gave the watch back to the sales assistant, and left the store.
My resolve lasted about a week or so. I went back, and the watch with the long strap came home with me. I'd like to think that this was a wise purchase...I hope that this was a wise purchase. One thing that I found out at the store does make me feel better about buying the watch now. The mechanism's are currently made by ETA of Switzerland, who have been making watches since 1793 and are responsible for the movements of watches for companies all the way from Swatch to Cartier. Hermes has invested $2 million in creating their own movements and are in the process of migrating all of their watches to this new movement. Which is great, but...with Hermes own movement the prices go WAY up. While we were in the store we looked at some men's Hermes watches. A typical watch with the old movement was $2,000 - $3,000. A watch with the new movement was between $16,000 - $19,000. I don't know if there will be such a large difference with all of the watches once they transition to the new movements but it definitely made me feel better about my purchase. I'm sure that the new mechanisms are wonderful but would make the watch far too rich for my blood.
So, there it is...I am a woman, with a woman's watch (though I still love Japanese candy and cartoons).
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Okay, not cities really...instead, it's a tale of two urban (outfitters).
I was reading British Vogue and saw that Urban Outfitters now had a UK website so I thought I'd check it out. Now I'm trying to decide why Urban Outfitters in the UK sells designs by Cacharel, See by Chloe, Hussein Chalayan, Erotokritos, Sara Berman, Vanessa Bruno, and Tatty Devine and the US stores don't. Okay, in the US stores you can sometimes dig through the piles of t-shirts and hoodies to find some cool things but nowhere near the kind of clothes and accessories you can find in Britain. Why? Does UO really think that no one in the States is interested? It's depressing...even more so because the UK site doesn't even ship to the US.
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Patrizia Pepe Trench Coat | Sara Berman Bubble Coat |
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Erotokritos Glitter Peeptoe | Erotokritos Babydoll Dress |
Much as I love the badges that I've made in the Badge-o-matic 2000 recently I can't help but fall for these from APC (it probably doesn't hurt that I'm an APC addict). The good news is that they're available on APC's website for $10 the set...the bad news is that postage is $9...guess I'll just admire them from afar.
As we enter the days of cold winds and snow flurries it seems like time to unearth the necessary accessories. Hats, gloves, and scarves have all made it into the light and are blinking in the autumnal sunshine. But there is one other winter accessory that I have been trying (single-handedly) to bring back for the last few years, and that is the muff. For those of you a little hazy on muffs, here is what Webster’s dictionary has to say:
Pronunciation: 'm&f
Function: noun
Etymology: Dutch mof, from Middle French moufle mitten, from Medieval Latin muffula : a warm tubular covering for the hands
I'm not sure if anyone currently produces muffs...I've certainly never seen anyone else actually using one...
Luckily I have two faux fur Emporio Armani muffs from the 80's. Bear with me here because I know this is starting to sound tacky, but they're not...honestly. One is a relatively low key everyday muff in a pale brown/grey and the other is an extra-long evening muff with tassels. They're fun, unique, functional...how many accessories fill all of those criteria?
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So, come on, join the crusade for warm hands and the return of the muff!
| On a cold blustery evening what could be better than a glass of chilled white wine, a homemade Shepherd's Pie in the oven, The Avengers starring Diana Rigg as the one and only Emma Peel on DVD and a good book? In this case, a very good book. "Fashion History" - a fashion history from the 18th to 20th century was published as part of Taschen's 25th anniversary celebration. Beautifully illustrated and covering everything from stomachers to Martin Margiela this is true fashion porn and features items from The Kyoto Costume Institute in a boxed, hardcover, two volume set. |  |
| To quote from Taschen's website, "Clothes define people. A person's clothing, whether it's a sari, kimono, or business suit, is an essential key to his or her culture, class, personality, or even religion. The Kyoto Costume Institute recognizes the importance of understanding clothing sociologically, historically, and artistically. Founded in 1978, the KCI holds one of the world's most extensive clothing collections and has curated many exhibitions worldwide. With an emphasis on Western women's clothing, the KCI has amassed a wide range of historical garments, underwear, shoes, and fashion accessories dating from the 18th century to the present day. |  |
| Showcasing a vast selection from the Institute's archives of skilled photographs depicting the clothing expertly displayed and arranged on custom-made mannequins, Fashion History is a fascinating excursion through the last three centuries of clothing trends. The KCI believes that "clothing is an essential manifestation of our very being" and their passion and dedication positively radiate from every page of this book." |  |
| Every page is inspirational and perfectly illustrates the importance of fashion history...from the unknown, unnamed designers of the 17 and 1800's through Victorian mourning garments to Fortuny, Lanvin, Chanel...Dior's New Look, Courreges and Yun Takahashi of Undercover. Perfection in a box. |  |
I’d been holding off on the black nail varnish trend until the weather got a little cooler, I love really dark short nails but they never feels right for me in the summer. I was also hoping that some of the hysteria surrounding Chanel’s Black Satin polish would have abated but no, bottles that originally retailed for $18 are now selling on eBay for $150! Okay, I understand status/cult items but this is ridiculous...
Anyway, I recently bought a bottle of Rimmel’s Black Satin polish which set me back around $3 (a saving of $15 or $147 depending on how you want to look at it). It’s a great, deep black and looks more chic than goth. For black with a little glitz I can also recommend Nars’ Orpheus, a black with micro-particles of scarlet glitter, which I’ve been wearing for several years. I don’t find Nars nail varnishes the most long-lasting but I love the colors so can forgive them their lack of longevity.
The question of whether you have a shopping issue can probably be safely answered if you go to an unveiling for an installation and, instead of looking at the art (which wasn’t that great), you end up shopping. Alright I should probably have known what was going to happen, especially as the event was happening at one of my favorite stores. I am exceedingly happy with my purchases though...
| 1) A tie neck plaid shirt by Karen Walker. I’ve been a fan of the New Zealander’s designs for years but have had problems finding anyone who stocked her clothes in the U.S. Now that she has started showing at New York fashion week I’m hoping that her clothes will be more available. This shirt wasn’t from the current collection, which means the additional bonus of it being about 30% of the regular price, but it has (to me at least) a timeless quality. As I’ve previously only viewed them from afar this is my first Karen Walker piece and I am very impressed by the quality and details. The high, stand-up collar is kept that way by three tabs sewn to the underside, through which the tie passes...another nice detail is that the buttons are stamped “k.”...and the fabric is incredibly soft. |  |
| 2) A shawl/scarf by Harald. Once again, this is a first for me from this specific designer. I liked Robert Geller’s work for Cloak menswear. Cloak was one of those designers where I liked pieces of the collections but not necessarily the whole and Harald seems to be the same...though with Harald a higher percentage fall into the like column. On a whole, I preferred the Spring/Summer collection but the scarf is one of the Fall/Winter items that I really like (some would I argue that I never met a scarf I didn’t like but I would like to think that I am slightly more choosy). As it appears to be based on a kahfiyah scarf I am slightly curious how it will be received in the current political climate...we shall see. |  |
I just received a link to these rosettes and prize ribbons by Jessica Grindstaff. It's like My Little Pony was ambushed by the goths. What's not to love? They can be purchased at www.ravinstyle.com OR they could be added to the craft project list. The rosettes themselves are relatively easy to make so probably the hardest part will be finding just the right "object" to add.
Maybe a trip to the fun store is in order, they may have some children's party favors that I can apply a silver coating to...
So, let's face it, I have issues...I'll spend 2 weeks wages on a handbag. I see it in the store, walk up to it, touch it, try it on and "vogue" in front of the mirror. At this point either the endorphin rush is so huge that I rush to the counter and scream "I'll take it!!!" or I continue to stalk my prey like a hungry lioness on the Serengeti. When I eventually succumb, the sales person wraps the bag in whatever embellishments the store specialises in...tissue paper, ribbon, bags, stickers, candy (yes, I have received bags wrapped with candy...who could ask for anything more?) and I carry my purchase home triumphantly.
Then...yes, what happens then?
The ideal? Each handbag stuffed with tissue paper, placed inside its dust bag and stood or laid on a shelf.
The reality? Most of the time, pretty close to the ideal...with an occasional lapse due to rushed changes between bags in the mornings. It's 6am and yesterday's pomegranite Marc Jacobs Venetia doesn't go with today's ensemble. Tip contents onto bed, pull new bag from shelf, add wallet, keys, etc to new bag and run out of the door. Venetia is left lying on the bed, empty and forlorn.
Yes, I feel guilty when I come home and see her lying there but I promise that, in the future, I won't treat her this way...unless it's 6am and I need to be at work by 7.
